The Synclavier, Michael Jackson and a Copyright Conundrum

video by Alex Ball

"Who wrote the intro to "Beat It"? Michael Jackson?

Let's find out...

One correction: I misspelt Jon Appleton in the video, apologies to Jon.

Root Studio's Synclavier demo video mentioned:"

NED Synclavier I Demo
video by rootstudio

"This rare New England Digital Synclavier Model I plays from its internal sequencer what is probably a factory demo.

To find out more about this instrument, watch my history video:"

Synclavier I - the first digital synthesizer you could buy
video by rootstudio

"One of the rarest musical instruments, this historic computer controlled synthesizer is as flexible as you want it to be and sounds like nothing else. Video includes high definition close ups of the insides and demo sounds.

Listen to some experimental music created on this Synclavier:
http://www.root-music.com/products/ot...​"

Update via gridsleep in the comments: "Triadex Muse was released in 1972, five years before the Synclavier."

And you could buy it. The Synclavier 1 would be the first *programmable* digital synth you could purchase, but only via the included DEC VT100. via 120years.net: "The synclavier 1 was an FM synthesis based keyboard-less sound module, and was only programmable via a DEC VT100 computer supplied with the system."

So I guess it depends on how you define a synthesizer - programmable or not. Note there were at least two earlier digital "synths". See The First Synth To post for more.

An Interview with Barry Schrader

Hi everyone! As you know Barry Schrader will be giving his farewell concert at CalArts on September 26. The following is the beginning of my interview with him. I opted to post the questions and answers as they come in.  New QAs will get a new post so you do not miss them and they will be added to this post so we have one central post for the full interview. This should make it easier for all of us to consume in our busy lives, and it will allow you to send in any questions that may come to mind during the interview process.  If you have anything you'd like to ask Barry, feel free to send it in to matrixsynth@gmail.com.  This is a rare opportunity for us to get insight on a significant bit of synthesizer history, specifically with early Buchla systems, and I'd like to thank Barry for this opportunity. Thank you Barry!

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